Taste of Chicago

I dug this place. Got the Chicago Dog (minus onions) both times. The seasoning on the dog really gives it a little something extra.
The (I’m assuming) owner was very nice. I’d like a credit/​debit option to pay, as I never have cash on me. That’s really the only thing keeping me from going back more often.

Cash-​only hot dog stand in the Rite-​Aid parking lot. EXCELLENT versions of Chicago-​style hot dogs. Also serving sausage and Italian Beef sandwiches, which I haven’t tried.
These are legit Chicago dogs, with sport peppers, neon-​green relish, and celery salt. Very good setup and presentation. Currently (summer of 2015) a dog and fries is $ 5; 2 dogs, fries and a soda are $ 9, and sodas are ~$ 1.35. He switched from crinkle-​cut fries to regular fries, they are still just fine.
You can take out, eat under s atreet umbrella next to the stand, or sit in a little homemade plywood hut next door that’s pretty sketchy (but awesome, considering the street vibe).
WHAT NEEDS WORK (or why this isn’t 5-​stars):
–Dogs were not piping hot, so the cold relish and condiments gets it cold quick. That could be fixed… I think he’s cycling them through the water too quickly. The buns were not warmed enough (at all, I think).
As JFK said, «This is a great country, but I think it could be a greater country…». Well, this is a great addition to our culinary scene (a no-​kidding Chicago dog) but it could be greater. Make the dogs piping hot, steaming, and warm the doggone buns!
I’ll still be back, for sure.

If you can’t beat the flavor of a Costco dog, you’ve got a problem. Really disgusting hot dogs for way too much money. It’s a shame because the guy running the place is cool. Cash only.

Steve makes these exactly the way I remember Fat Jonnie’s making them in Chicago– The food is delicious and authentic. He’s using all the right ingredients, and he’s a great guy. Anyone in the area should stop in and support this great local business.

My first Chicago-​style hot dog and I’m a fan. Much obliged Steve!

Hot Dog Cold 11:30 am is when I bought my dog. $ 5 for a cold dog not going to fly with me. And if you do no like sage be careful… there is lots of sage on dog.

I was wondering if this place was still around so I hit them up yesterday for lunch while running some errands. Great food. They use all beef dogs and add a good helping of onions, tomatoes, a slice of pickle, peppers and spicy mustard. I opted for the jumbo, a ¹⁄₃ pound dog. It comes with a load of fries (about one and half orders of large fries at McDonald’s) for $ 6.50. The hours are kind of limited but if you like Chicago style hot dogs it’s worth stopping by this little stand.

Pretty much the only authentic, non chain-​conformed Chicago cuisine around here. And my favorite hot dogs as well, beating out Stan’s, Costco, and any hot dog stand roving around downtown on a weekend night.
Taste of Chicago is a small hot dog stand next to the Rite-​Aid on the southeastern corner of Main and Fairview (the address displayed in the business info is actually Rite-Aid’s, as their menu doesn’t show an official one other than «Fairview and Main»).
Hot dogs and hot sandwiches are what are served here. They use Vienna Beef dogs and get them shipped in weekly from Chicago along with some of the condiments. The buns have poppy seeds and are steamed. And of course there’s the trimmings involved with a Chicago-​style dog: celery salt (put on both my dog and fries), the neon green relish, sport peppers, mustard, onions, tomato wedge, and pickle. It’s the real deal. He also has footlong, jumbo, and BLT dogs. All come served with crinkle cut fries. The best value and my constant order is the daily special– two Chicago-​style dogs, fries, and soda that ends up being cheaper than just ordering two dogs.
The four stars are for the dogs. As I don’t make it into that area often within the limited hours the stand is open, that’s what I go there to eat when I do make it there. My only other excursion into the menu was his Italian beef sandwich. I love the Italian beef from the Portillo’s chain, and Steve the owner swore that his was better. Sorry Steve. Perfection denied. The roll was subpar and the taste was lacking. He also serves meatball and sausage sandwiches.
By the way, Steve is very chatty and personable and has some good stories to tell if you’re up for them.
Now, when can we see a restaurant pop up that will serve some REAL Chicago-​style stuffed pizzas a la Giordano’s?